Lab Tech Assistant - Core Laboratory - Lorain Hospital

Mercy Health • Lorain, OH

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Tech Assistant prepares specimens for analysis by registering and accessioning orders through Hospital Information Systems and Laboratory Information Systems, verifying specimen acceptability, and performing established pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures that do not require interpretation by a Medical Technologist, Histotechnologist, or Cytotechnologist. Work is performed accurately, safely, and promptly in accordance with laboratory policy.

The role performs waived and limited moderately complex testing under CLIA and follows established protocols for testing and quality control. It supports technologists and laboratory operations by maintaining instruments and equipment, preparing reagents, processing specimens, managing supplies, and providing laboratory customer service. When assigned to Microbiology, the assistant sets up cultures, prepares Gram stains, and performs the Micro Setup Time as needed.

The position works full-time, 36 scheduled hours weekly, on evening/night shifts, including rotating weekends and holidays. Work may involve high stress, fluctuating workloads, interruptions, limited exposure to hazardous substances, body fluids, blood, fumes, and odors. Employees must use universal precautions and personal protective equipment and follow infection-control policies. Occasional car travel to off-site locations may be required, including in adverse weather. The role serves patients across all listed age groups, from neonates through geriatrics.

Requirements

• High school degree or GED.
• Skills in active listening, critical thinking, verbal and written communication, monitoring, science, judgment and decision-making, operation monitoring, time management, customer service, problem-solving, medical terminology, office machine operation, and phlebotomy collection software.
• Follow universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn infection-control policies.
• Ability to travel by car to off-site locations occasionally, including in adverse weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Biology or Chemistry.
• Laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform waived and limited moderately complex testing as defined by CLIA.
• Perform and report testing and quality-control procedures according to established protocols; assess specimen acceptability and take corrective action within training scope.
• Support technologists by loading and maintaining instruments; preparing reagents; thawing, pooling, importing, and issuing blood products; and performing maintenance and function checks.
• Recognize instrument and equipment malfunctions and keep appropriate personnel informed of problems, issues, and resolutions.
• Operate, maintain, and repair clinical laboratory equipment within training scope, including routine preventive maintenance, calibrations, and safety checks.
• Register orders and enter insurance information; accession, triage, and process specimens for testing and transit.
• Follow established guidelines for centrifugation and aliquoting of samples.
• Use computer programs to track specimen transport and minimize lost specimens.
• Provide laboratory customer service regarding add-on requests, specimen collection information, phlebotomy requests, and result inquiries.
• Maintain inventory levels and stock supplies.
• When staffed in Microbiology, set up cultures from microbiology samples, prepare Gram stains, and perform the MST as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, and backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support. Benefits may vary based on market and employment status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED